Experimental study of the molten metal relocation on the surface of the heated rod

Abstract

Abstract The investigation of the liquid metal melt flow along the surface of a heated rod is carried out. Experimental studies were provided in a seven-rod assembly. In this series of experiments, only the central rod of the assembly was heated. All rods of the assembly were in a stream of the heated argon. Aluminum and zinc were used as the material of the model cladding of the rods. The dynamics of temperature and the movement of the molten cladding along the surface of the heated rod were studied. Obtained results may be useful for validating computer codes to simulate beyond design accidents in nuclear power plants.